Haniel acquires Bekaert Textiles from Gamma Holding

April 22, 2015

Leading global specialist of mattress fabrics amends Haniel portfolio

Duisburg - Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH (Haniel) acquires Bekaert Textiles Holding II B.V. (Bekaert Textiles) from Gamma Holding, a holding Company owned by Gilde Buy Out Partners and Parcom Capital Management (Parcom). The company specialises in the production of mattress fabrics and generated sales in excess of EUR 200 million in 2014. This makes Bekaert Textiles the world’s leading company in this market.

With its business model, Bekaert Textiles is an outstanding match for Haniel’s set of acquisition criteria. Supported by global trends, the company shows potential for a long-term, sustainable growth and value creation. “As a familyequity company, Bekaert Textiles allows us a first, but important step to diversify our current portfolio”, explains Haniel CEO Stephan Gemkow. “We are pleased that under the new guidance of Haniel, Bekaert Textiles will be able to continue its successful course of the previous years with new options for growth. We wish the company, its management and shareholders the very best for the future”, says Jan Albers, CEO of Gamma Holding.

Global operations

Bekaert Textiles, headquartered in Waregem (Belgium) is active in all major regions of the world with its sales and dedicated production sites. Core sales regions are Europe at 35 per cent, the Americas at 50 per cent as well as Asia/Pacific. Besides the increasing populations, especially in emerging markets, the rising standard of living in these regions is a particularly important driver of growth. In developed regions, the company and its high-quality products benefit from the increasing demand for comfort and increasing environmental awareness. Bekaert Textiles is recognized as the quality, service and innovation leader in its industry.

Top management keeps hand on the tiller

The management team has extensive market and industry knowledge as well as an outstanding reputation. Gemkow: “We are delighted that the management welcomed our acquisition and want to continue the development of Bekaert Textiles’ business together with us.” “This shift in shareholder is good news for Bekaert Textiles’ employees and our customers as this transaction fully supports our continued growth strategy and does not impact companies’ employees nor its operations.” says Dirk Vandeplancke, CEO of Bekaert Textiles.

It was agreed not to disclose details of the takeover. The transaction is subject to antitrust approval.

Further information on Bekaert Textiles can be found in the attached factsheet.

About HanielFranz Haniel & Cie. GmbH is a German family-equity company which has been headquartered in Duisburg-Ruhrort since it was founded in 1756. The 100 per cent family-owned Holding Company manages its diversified portfolio from there and pursues a long-term investment strategy as a value developer. Haniel's portfolio currently consists of four divisions which are responsible for their own operating business and which hold market-leading positions in their fields of expertise: CWS-boco and ELG (wholly owned investments), TAKKT (majority investment) and METRO GROUP (minority investment).For more information, visit www.haniel.com.

About Gilde Buy Out PartnersGilde Buy Out Partners is a leading European private equity investor in mid-market transactions with operations in the Benelux and the DACH region. Gilde manages funds in excess of EUR 2 billion and controls majority shareholdings in, amongst others, companies like CID Lines, Axa Stenman, Comcave, Spandex, Eismann, Teleplan, Powerlines and HG. For more information, please visit www.gilde.com.

About Parcom CapitalParcom Capital is a leading mid-market private equity firm in the Benelux with a mid- to long-term investment horizon focused on distinctive value creation strategies. It was founded in 1982 as one of the first buy-out and expansion capital providers in the Dutch market. Over the past 30 years, Parcom Capital invested directly in more than 75 (international) companies, was involved in numerous add-ons and helped multiple management teams in realizing their growth ambitions. For more information please visit www.parcomcapital.com.